Canada based De Havilland Aircraft Company, is set to auction the iconic 1929 De Havilland Gipsy Moth aircraft with a retail price tag of Ksh35 million.
Scheduled for auction in early March 2024, the proceeds from this sale will go to the construction of a rhino sanctuary in Kenya.
This move aims to support the conservation efforts for the black rhino, recognized as one of the world’s most endangered species, with a meagre population of around 5,000 remaining in Africa today.
Actor Robert Redford, who piloted the plane in the 1980s, endorsed the auction initiative, emphasizing its potential to contribute substantially to wildlife conservation efforts.
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“This important initiative will not only help secure the survival of a critically endangered species but will conserve vital biodiversity and pristine wilderness for future generations and create significant positive socio-economic impact for local communities.
“The larger plan for interconnectivity with other conservation land will create a vast protected wilderness area and even more positive impact for the people and planet,” Redford stated.
Academy Award-winning film ‘Out of Africa.’
The iconic American-made plane is known for gracing the Kenyan Savannah skies during the 1980s, featuring in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Out of Africa.’
In the seven-time Oscar-winning masterpiece, Denys, portrayed by Robert Redford, treats the wealthy Baroness Karen Blixen, played by Meryl Streep, to a romantic flight over the Kenyan savannah.
The Gypsy Moth becomes integral to the memorable four-minute-long scene and plays a significant role in the film’s tragic conclusion, where Denys later crashes the plane, leading to his demise.
Originating in the 1920s, the aircraft was crafted by Geoffrey De Havilland of the De Havilland Aircraft Company with the aim of providing affordable options for long-distance flights.
Throughout the years, it has evolved into a symbol, celebrated for its role in showcasing the captivating natural beauty of Kenya and earning a status as a phenomenon in aviation history.
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“This plane is a symbol of my first introduction to Kenya and its extraordinary landscapes, people, and wildlife,” Redford explained.
“It also helped millions of people around the world see the beauty of Kenya on the film for the first time and serves as a much-needed reminder that nature is precious and needs to be conserved before it’s too late,” he added.
Given its iconic grandeur, the aircraft is anticipated to shatter records during the upcoming auction reflecting the significant value attached to this historical piece.
